On September 7, 1992, a Cessna 172I (registration N35302) operated by Final Approach, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Navarre, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER TOUCHDOWN DURING THE FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING CRUISE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cruise flight with a student pilot, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The CFI took control, was advised of a grass airstrip below, and after circling, elected to land. During landing on a 2,300 ft grass/sand runway, the aircraft veered off the right side and struck a tree. Examination revealed a failed exhaust valve on the No. 2 cylinder, but no reason for the failure could be determined.
Incident Overview
A training flight experienced a partial loss of engine power while in cruise, with the student pilot flying the aircraft at the time. The certified flight instructor (CFI) assumed control and was informed by air traffic control that a grass airstrip was located below. The flight circled while descending, and the CFI broadcast on the UNICOM frequency to check if anyone was monitoring, but received no reply.
The Flight
While circling, the CFI observed an aircraft departing to the south and decided to land in that direction. As the CFI established a modified final approach, he noticed another aircraft on the approach end of the runway. The landing was made approximately halfway down the 2,300-foot grass and sand runway. After touchdown, the aircraft traveled off the right side of the runway and collided with a tree.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine revealed that the exhaust valve on the No. 2 cylinder had failed near the radius of the seat. Investigators could not determine the cause of the valve failure. The engine had accumulated 1,840 hours since its last major overhaul.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Sept 1992 Cessna 172I accident near Navarre, FL?
During a cruise flight with a student pilot, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The CFI took control, was advised of a grass airstrip below, and after circling, elected to land. During landing on a 2,300 ft grass/sand runway, the aircraft veered off the right side and struck a tree. Examination revealed…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Sept 1992 involved a Cessna 172I, registration N35302, operated by Final Approach, Inc., at Navarre, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER TOUCHDOWN DURING THE FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING CRUISE FLIGHT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DIVERTION OF ATTENTION OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO THE AIRPLANE ON THE APCH END OF THE RWY.